Causes

ASD is occurs during fetal development. It is present at birth. Some cases may be caused by a genetic defect or abnormality inherited from a parent. Others can be caused by illnesses suffered by the mother during pregnancy.

Most of the time, the cause is unknown.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of having a child with an atrial septal defect include:

Smoking by the mother during pregnancy

Down syndrome

Symptoms

Symptoms of atrial septal defect include:

Tiring easily during activity

Sweating

Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath

Ongoing respiratory infections

Poor growth

Irregular, rapid beating of the heart

Poor appetite

People with minor-to-moderate defects may show no symptoms. They may not begin to show symptoms until later in life.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A murmur may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.

Your doctor may need to check the health of your arteries. This can be done with
coronary angiography
.

Treatment

Small defects that produce few or no symptoms may not require treatment. Many defects may close on their own without treatment. Talk with your child's doctor about the best treatment plan. Treatment options include:

Surgery

Surgery may be needed in patients with large defects if they cause significant symptoms.

A new procedure may also be performed. It closes the opening without surgery. A heart catheter is inserted in the inner part of the thigh. A closure device is inserted through this catheter.

Antibiotics

If your condition is repaired through surgery, you may need to take an antibiotic before you have dental procedures.

Prevention

The condition is a congenital defect with unknown causes. There are no preventive measures. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.